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AT&T finally gives free WiFi access to iPhone subscribers

AT&T may have pulled the trigger for good this time, offering iPhone …

AT&T seems to have finally pushed the button—prematurely clicked a few times earlier this year—and granted iPhone subscribers the same free access to its national WiFi hotspot network that DSL, fiber, laptop 3G, and business subscribers already receive. The company posted a revised WiFi hotspot network page this morning, and reportedly texted some iPhone users with the new info. A call to AT&T to confirm the offering was not immediately returned. (We have not yet received such a text message). AT&T's main WiFi network page has not yet been updated.

AT&T has nearly 20,000 locations in its national "Basic" aggregated network: about 8,000 Starbucks locations, currently transitioning from T-Mobile's hotspot service, and 10,000 McDonald's stores available under contract from hotspot builder Wayport. The other roughly 2,000 locations include some coffeeshop chains, Barnes & Noble, and a few airports.

AT&T sent text messages to iPhone subscribers informing them of free WiFi.

To access free AT&T WiFi, first find a hotspot operated by the firm, then select "attwifi" from the list of available WiFi networks. In the iPhone's Safari browser, try to bring up any page—you'll be redirected to a gateway login page, where you're prompted to enter your 10-digit cell number. A free text message will then be sent to your cell phone containing a link to a secure page. This link will activate 24 hours of service at the location, but you can request 24 hours of service at no additional cost at any other location at any time.

AT&T first started building in-house WiFi service and roaming in 2004, but in the last year dropped a minimal fee and opened access to more subscribers. iPhone subscribers seemed to be left out in the cold, despite the seemingly high value of WiFi to iPhone owners, as well as the benefit to AT&T to offload costly 3G data service from its sometimes crowded urban networks to cheaper WiFi conduits.

AT&T charges $19.99 per month for those without a qualifying subscription, which includes access to a worldwide network of over 70,000 hotspots—the company calls this its Premier network—which includes 1,000 hotels and premium locations in the U.S. that aren't part of the free network deal. Those who get free WiFi service can upgrade to this plan for $9.99 per month.